I will use the words of our professor, Dr. Michelle Wibblesman in her book Ritual Encounters, to describe our “home” for the next couple of weeks.
“Imagine a place nestled in the dramatic landscape of the Andes, where technology intersect with religion and myth, where an international highway cuts across pastoral landscapes connecting rural agricultural laborers to global communities and metropolitan centers, where the indigenous people of the area use systems of local barter and trade just as expertly as they participate in worldwide market trends. This place is Otavalo, a culturally and geographically unique area in northern Ecuador…”
Our first encounter with the people of Otavalo was a pleasant surprise! We were greeted by Ana, who works for the center where most of our language study in Ecuador will take place. Our “Welcome Peña” opened with performances by local musicians who played traditional Andean tunes, using instruments local to this region. We were then introduced to an internationally renowned group called Yarina, who wowed us with their melodies and musical talents. The group is made up of 11 siblings, and their mission is to transmit their culture, promote pride in their Kichwa heritage, especially among the young people of the Otavalan community, and participate in meaningful cultural exhcange through sharing traditional music with Kichwa lyrics. Click here for a glimpse of the sounds of this amazing ensemble!
I can not think of a better way to become hooked on the indigenous culture here. 
Teaching the Andes 